Born in England but relocated to Nigeria by his dad at the age of 9, Kalu had his primary education in England and Zambia before proceeding to University of Nigeria Nsuka (UNN) to get a degree in English.

His first TV appearance was in 2005 in the popular 'Domino' TV series.

His first stage performance was in 'Put out the houselights' by Esiaba Ironsi.

Kalu has gone on to act in some of Nigeria's memorable classics, such as "Major Lejoka Brown" in Ola Rotimi's, 'Our husband has gone mad again' and as "RIP" in Esiaba Irobi's 'Hangmen Also Die'. He went on to perform in various plays at the EdinburghFestivals of 1995 and 1997.